I don't know if I need to see another production. I think I would just prefer playwrights write their own versions of their own hometowns. You can clearly tell Polak has a lot of love for where he came from but also knows that the town can do better. The way he's able to tackle issues like transness, the opium crisis and gun control while also keeping the play so grounded in humanity is awe-inspiring. I hope this play gets produced but more importantly I hope it inspires to people to make art about where they come from.

“Welcome to Keene, New Hampshire” takes a page from Thornton Wilder’s seminal play “Our Town” and transports us to a real-life small town in Southern New Hampshire. However, Polak’s play goes deeper to explore wider social issues, such as alt-right movements, gun violence, the opioid epidemic, and trans identity, each treated with the right amount of weight and attention. This play is also rife with snarky humor and poignant musings about our place in the universe. A messy play that doesn’t offer easy answers and allows the audience to contemplate life itself. Wonderful work!

A fantastic, Our Town- esque portrait of a community and humanity in this modern America. Brian does an excellent job of giving so many characters careful attention and moments on stage. I loved this piece!